Female street vendors seek representation in parliament

As the elections gain momentum, female street vendors are also seeking representation in parliament saying they work in an unfavourable environment with no one presenting their issues in parliament.

"As we go about our work, a man is pulling your hand before you know it; another is tapping your butt. When it rains, we are affected. We are evicted every now and then. Our work is regarded as illegal and yet we also have a right to work," said Robinah Wamusai, the chairperson of women vendors in Kampala.

Wamusai, aspiring for woman councilor LCIII, Kisimu cell Nabweru division, said lack of representation denies them the opportunity to benefit from government programmes.

"I want women vendors to be part of the law-making and allocation of national resources. We are undeserved and also lack leadership. That's why we do not benefit from the government poverty eradication programmes like the women fund and the youth livelihood program," she said.

Women Vendors' manifesto launched

The Women Street Vendor's Manifesto (2021-2026) titled "Reclaiming and reframing the policy arena" was launched in Kampala.

The female vendors, with support from Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA Network) drafted a seven-point manifesto, a political document that puts across key concerns of women street vendors in Kampala

These include; representation, protection from the health hazards at their work space, implementation, and translation of the ‘KCCA Regulation of Street Trade Ordinance 2019' that allows orderly vending and hawking on the streets, and security and protection against violence against women.

SIHA Uganda area coordinator Brenda Aber said, "Women vendors are thereby empowered to use their votes as bargaining tools to demand the implementation of their manifesto by the leaders aspiring for political offices in the general elections."

The Chairperson Uganda Women Parliamentarian Association Pamela Nasiyo Kamugo who launched the manifesto said, "If the elderly are represented, women vendors should also be represented," adding that workers MPs represent only professional bodies.

According to Kampala Woman MP, Naggayi Nabilla Sempala, the increase in parliamentary seats is unjustifiable.

"It is geographical but the issues remain with the people. Instead of curving out geographical constituencies, we should be looking at special needs areas like women vendors," she said.